In loving memory of
Bobby Joe Martin
1927 - 2024
GREENVILLE – Bobby Joe Martin, age 96, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, early Wednesday morning, February 21, 2024, at EverHeart Hospice Care Center in Greenville. He was born on July 22, 1927, in New Madison, Ohio to the late Emory and Marie (Brodstock) Martin.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters and their husbands, Lois and Harold French, and Pauline and Tom Arnett.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Glenna (Stevens) Martin, whom he married on November 8, 1985; his children, Holly Patrum of West Manchester, Ohio, and Brian (Lindsey Hartzell) Gardner of Greenville, and Ben (Nicole) Hodges of Tampa, Florida whom Joe and Glenna raised; his grandchildren, Caitlin (Kyle) Brock, Kelsey Patrum, Taylor Gardner, Riley Gardner, Rae Brodie, Mercedes (Justin) Brackeen, Brock Hodges, Brandon Hodges, Briel Alverez, and E.J. Alverez; and his great-grandchildren, Ayeden Brock, Mya Brock, and Grace Brackeen.
Joe lived a long and fulfilling life and was no stranger to hard work and sacrifice. Following high school, Joe joined the United States Navy at the end of WWII. In fact, Joe would joke that when the enemy knew he was coming, they surrendered. He built and operated the Dari Freeze in West Manchester for 25 Years after selling it and moving on to other adventures. He worked at Miller Hardware, Wayne Hospital, and the Brethren Retirement Community before retiring at the age of 91. He enjoyed bowling and was even the manager of Sunset Bowling Lanes in the 70’s. He also played golf, horseshoes, and corn hole. Though he managed to work what some could say were multiple careers, he always made time for family. Wednesday night was family night and was incredibly special to him because that meant it was grandchild night.
Joe’s family will be receiving guests from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Brethren Retirement Community Chapel, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM with Pastor Todd Reish.
Flowers may be delivered to the BRC Chapel Entrance on Monday, February 26, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brethren Retirement Community Resident Aid Fund, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
For additional information and to view Joe’s online obituary and video tribute, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters and their husbands, Lois and Harold French, and Pauline and Tom Arnett.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Glenna (Stevens) Martin, whom he married on November 8, 1985; his children, Holly Patrum of West Manchester, Ohio, and Brian (Lindsey Hartzell) Gardner of Greenville, and Ben (Nicole) Hodges of Tampa, Florida whom Joe and Glenna raised; his grandchildren, Caitlin (Kyle) Brock, Kelsey Patrum, Taylor Gardner, Riley Gardner, Rae Brodie, Mercedes (Justin) Brackeen, Brock Hodges, Brandon Hodges, Briel Alverez, and E.J. Alverez; and his great-grandchildren, Ayeden Brock, Mya Brock, and Grace Brackeen.
Joe lived a long and fulfilling life and was no stranger to hard work and sacrifice. Following high school, Joe joined the United States Navy at the end of WWII. In fact, Joe would joke that when the enemy knew he was coming, they surrendered. He built and operated the Dari Freeze in West Manchester for 25 Years after selling it and moving on to other adventures. He worked at Miller Hardware, Wayne Hospital, and the Brethren Retirement Community before retiring at the age of 91. He enjoyed bowling and was even the manager of Sunset Bowling Lanes in the 70’s. He also played golf, horseshoes, and corn hole. Though he managed to work what some could say were multiple careers, he always made time for family. Wednesday night was family night and was incredibly special to him because that meant it was grandchild night.
Joe’s family will be receiving guests from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Brethren Retirement Community Chapel, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331. A funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM with Pastor Todd Reish.
Flowers may be delivered to the BRC Chapel Entrance on Monday, February 26, between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brethren Retirement Community Resident Aid Fund, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
For additional information and to view Joe’s online obituary and video tribute, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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Visitation 
- Mon, February 26, 2024
- 05:00 to 07:00 PM
- Brethren Retirement Community Chapel
- 750 Chestnut Street
- Greenville, OH 45331
- Telephone: (937) 547-8000
Service
- Mon, February 26, 2024
- 07:00 PM
- Brethren Retirement Community Chapel
- 750 Chestnut Street
- Greenville, OH 45331
- Telephone: (937) 547-8000
Additional Details
- If you need immediate assistance or have any question regarding the details of this funeral, please call 1.800.308.3590.
For additional information about ChurchFunerals Direct Network, please email your request to info@churchfuneralsdirect.com.
